外語(yǔ)學(xué)院 優(yōu)秀畢業(yè)論文Rhetoric Device in English Speech

1、2010屆本科生畢業(yè)論文Rhetoric Device in English SpeechABSTRACTSpeech, a formal talk that a person presents to the audiences, to express his/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiring the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing ac

2、tivities.Rhetoric is one kind of important expressive device in language. It refers to interpreting abstract and complex ideas or processes through simple and concrete methods. Since rhetoric is full of imagination, it can promote the transmission and communication of emotions and ideas.Rhetoric exi

3、sts in writings with various styles, especially, in speech. Rhetoric plays a very important role in English speech, acting as a key element for the success of a speech. The thesis, based on the respective studies of the definition of speech and rhetoric, makes a careful analysis of the use of main r

4、hetorical devices in English speech, including simile, metaphor, parallelism, alliteration, repetition, antithesis, rhetorical question and so on, targeting at better appreciating English speech, and learn more about the language skills in speech, so as to promote the further understanding of speech

5、.Key Words：English speech; rhetoric; function英語(yǔ)演講中的修辭手法摘 要演講，是在聽眾面前就某一問(wèn)題表達(dá)發(fā)表自己的見解,抒發(fā)情感，或進(jìn)行宣傳鼓動(dòng)從而達(dá)到感召聽眾并促使其行動(dòng)的一種信息交流活動(dòng)的正式演說(shuō)。修辭是一種重要的語(yǔ)言表達(dá)手段，是用簡(jiǎn)單具體且充滿想象的方法將抽象復(fù)雜的思想或進(jìn)程闡釋出來(lái)，能夠促進(jìn)情感的傳遞和思想的表達(dá)。修辭存在于各種文體之中，尤其在演講中起著極為重要的作用，是影響英語(yǔ)演講成敗的關(guān)鍵。論文從分析演講及修辭的定義和功能出發(fā)，認(rèn)真研究了主要修辭手段在英語(yǔ)演講中的作用，包括明喻、暗喻、排比、頭韻、重復(fù)、對(duì)偶和設(shè)問(wèn)等修辭手段，旨在更好地欣賞

6、演講，并學(xué)習(xí)一些演講中的語(yǔ)言技巧，從而對(duì)演講進(jìn)一步理解。關(guān)鍵詞：英語(yǔ)演講 ; 修辭 ; 功能 ContentsABSTRACTI摘 要IIForeword11Speech.21.1 The Definition of Speech.21.2 The Function of Speech.22Rhetoric.32.1 The Definition of Rhetoric32.2 The Function of Rhetoric.43. An Analysis of Rhetoric in English Speech.43.1 Simile43.2 Metaphor63.3 Paralleli

7、sm73.4 Repetition93.5 Alliteration113.6 Antithesis123.7 Rhetorical question144Conclusion15Bibliography16Acknowledgements17IIIForewordA speech is not only a simple formal talk but a kind of encouraging language with artic charm by using all kinds of lingual skills. Speech is a unique style. It expres

8、ses thoughts, feelings, and ideas orally to audience through a series of well-organized, well-prepared words or sentences with the aim of evoking some feelings of the listeners. Therefore, to make a successful speech, one ought to use formal, vivid languages as well as many figures of speech. The su

9、ccess of a speech is often attributed to the skill of the orator, with merit being given to orators who are confident, articulate, knowledgeable and able to deliver a speech with conviction. Persuading an audience to take action involves more than a speaker sharing what he knows about a topic. Speec

10、hes are intended to get listeners to accept a particular point of view, and then motivate them into action. The challenge in writing this kind of speech is in delivering a message that will win others over in sharing the same principles as the speaker. You must use words in such a way as to convince

11、 listeners that the speaker's opinion is reliable. The art of giving a persuasive speech is as much about using language effectively as it is about communicating a convincing argument.Obviously, one of the major factors to be a good or a bad speech is whether the use of rhetoric is appropriate o

12、r not. It can be found that the use of rhetoric plays a very important role in content. The definition of rhetoric is applying many language materials and various expressive devices to manifest the orators purpose appropriately. Without the use of rhetoric, absolutely, there is no good content. Ther

13、efore, it is necessary to make an analysis and study on this subject.The whole thesis is concerned about the use of rhetoric in English speech, and the thesis is divided into three parts. The first part talks about the definition and function of speech. The second part illustrates the definition and

14、 function of rhetoric. The third part makes a carefully study on the use of main rhetorical devices in English speech, such as, simile, metaphor, parallelism, alliteration and repetition, antithesis , rhetorical question and so on.1Speech1.1 The Definition of Speech One of the definitions of speech

15、which is a formal talk that a person gives to the audiences, to express his/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiring the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing activities.The benefit of a speech is obvious mass commun

16、ication. Orators want to engage audience's attention, convey their ideas in a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support their point.Speech can be made in a small event as a marriage or a little party as president of a country make it to be closer his people. The opportunity arises in e

17、verybody's life to give a speech. In its simplest form, a speech is a retelling of events. It can be overwhelming to an introverted individual to think about giving a speech, so knowing the four types of speeches and their purposes can help alleviate some of the pressure. An inspirational speech

18、 inspires, an informative speech informs, a persuasive speech persuades and special occasion speeches vary, but only due to the special occasion. 1.2 The Function of Speech "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedi

19、cated to the proposition that all men are created equal." This is part of a two-minute speech given by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. He knew that speeches were more than just a bunch of words. Some believe that the power of life and death are in the tongue. This speech was powerful.The purpose

20、 of making a speech can range from simply transmitting information, to motivating people to act, to simply telling a story. Good orators should be able to change the emotions of their listeners, not just inform them. Making a speech can also be considered a discourse community. Interpersonal communi

21、cation and speeches have several components that embrace such things as motivational speaking, leadership/personal development, business, customer service, large group communication, and mass communication. Speeches can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion

22、, informing, or translation.All kinds of speech have one common aim: to convince people to take a form of action. Therefore, they are called speeches of action, and the best way to accomplish that is through motivation. Another purpose to be accomplished through speech is to reinforce listeners exis

23、ting attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, opinions, or values. You would simply reiterate a few powerful arguments to reassure our listeners and strengthen their position. A third purpose of making a speech is to convince people to change their attitude toward a particular subject. In your speech, tr

24、y to capture their goodwill immediately. You would follow with some strong arguments for your position and elaborate on them. Then you might introduce statistics and other evidence accompanied by visual aids as you discuss your argument.Anyone who goes to church understands the effects that speeches

25、 are capable of producing. Sermons are always given to change, or reinforce, personal lifestyle. When a man is ready to propose, he writes and rehearses the words he chooses to win the heart of a woman. People of high social status use speeches to influence others. Words are the most powerful medium

26、 on this planet and can crush or heal self-esteem. A single phrase can mean different things by adding elements like raised or lowered pitch and volume, or by emphasizing different words in the phrase. All of these are important aspects to giving a speech.2Rhetoric 2.1 The Definition of Rhetoric Wha

27、t is rhetoric? There have been many studies from scholars as the human civilization reaches this advanced and highly developed society. Rhetoric originated in speaking. Aristotle, in the 4th Century BC, first defined rhetoric is rhetoric as the art of persuasion. He said, “Rhetoric is the counterpar

28、t of the dialects.” In Athens, the centre of western civilization, great orators, by exercising their rhetoric, gained following and support, and eventually, political power. John Locke, English philosopher of the late 17th century, described rhetoric as “the science of oratory,” or “the art of spea

29、king with propriety, elegance and force.” This explains why the word “rhetoric” refers to “speaking” in many European languages, such as Greek, Latin, French, etc.In present day, the meaning of rhetoric has been extended. Rhetoric assumes the following characteristics, that is, the elaborated and ex

30、aggerated language, the art of using language effectively and persuasively, the skills of using language effectively, the structure of verbal communication.No matter for speaking or writing, rhetoric emphasizes its importance in the effective communication. American linguists Cleanth Brooks and Robe

31、rt Penn therefore wrote in their Modern Rhetoric, “Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively.” In the dictionary Oxford Advanced learners English-Chinese Dictionary (6th edition) the definition for rhetoric is “the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences

32、 or entertains people.” Rhetoric is an art to use language effectively with special aims.2.2 The Function of Rhetoric Rhetorical devices are variations of literal or ordinary forms of expressions. Their function is to make the thought more striking and effective. A fresh and suitable rhetorical devi

33、ce appeals to the imagination, creates mental pictures and makes the speech or writing vivid, impressive and interesting. Rhetorical devices can make language more vivid by using the simple words to express complex meanings. By the use of rhetoric, even abstract ideas can become concrete. Rhetoric c

34、an make the modified subjects more prominent, distinctive, and specific. By the use of rhetoric, the language can give people more space to imagine. Whereas, without the use of rhetoric, the language is boring and there is no vigor in the language.For example:Light as a breeze, soft as a cloud.In th

35、e sentence, the writer used a kind of rhetorical devicessimile. Simile is a figure of speech in which two essentially unlike subjects are compared. Simile often signals itself by “l(fā)ike” or “as”. By using simile, it helps the writer to better communicate with his readers. It is easy for the readers t

36、o understand and remember the sentence.3 An Analysis of Rhetoric in English SpeechSpeech can arouse peoples attention and profound feeling to take action. Languages should be used properly in specific situations and occasions. Figures of speech are ways of making our language figurative. When we use

37、 words in other than their ordinary or literal sense to lend force to an idea, to heighten effect, or to create suggestive imagery, we are said to be speaking or writing figuratively. Hence, it is quite necessary for us to learn rhetoric, which serves as a helper to us in writing and speaking differ

38、ent kinds of styles. Through learning rhetoric, we may be in a position to express ourselves more eloquently and properly.Several kinds of rhetorical devices are frequently used in speech, and it is necessary to study them one by one by giving definitions and making illustrations. 3.1 SimileA simile

39、 is a direct comparison between two objects or attributes that, although essentially different, do have some similarity. These direct comparisons are easy to identify, as they use words such as "like" or "as" to denote the comparison being made. The simile helps to create the cle

40、ar image, much easier for the others to accept.A simile is made up of four parts: “the tenor”, “the vehicle”, “the comparing word” and “the ground”. “The tenor” is the subject of simile. “The vehicle” is the thing compared to or the part transported. “The comparing word” is the simile marker such as

41、, “l(fā)ike, as, than, as if, similar to.” “The ground” is the common properties owned by “the tenor” and “the vehicle”.For example:“No, no, we are not satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”This sentence is from Martin Luther King's “I have a dream” s

42、peech, It can be found that, in this sentence, “justice”, “righteousness” are “the tenor” and “waters” , “a mighty stream” are “the vehicle”. The word “l(fā)ike” signals this sentence makes use of the rhetoric devicesimile. Thus by using simile, this sentence makes this two words-“justice” and “righteou

43、sness” more vivid and lively. It means that we will not quit until justice is as plentiful as water and is raining on all of us and the force of its power to enforce equality and fairness is as powerful and inevitable as the force of a large river. This simile is effective because it communicates no

44、t only the extent of his hope but also the passion he has for the fulfillment of his expectations to become a powerful force that will not be stopped.Another example:  “America is not like a blanket - one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more

45、like a quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread.”This sentence is from Jesse Jackson's 1984 Democratic National Convention Address. In this address, “the tenor” is “America”, “the vehicle” are “blanket” and quilt. The word “l(fā)ike” i

46、s the simile marker in this sentence. More examples,“It hates Israel because of the West - because it sees Israel as an outpost of freedom and democracy that prevents them from overrunning the Middle East.” (Binyamin Netanyahu, Speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee)“I look forward t

47、o hearing the truth, exactly where they are. They could still be there. They could be hidden, like the 50 tons of mustard gas in a turkey farm.”(George W. Bush, Prime Time Press Conference on Iraq War)“The very many times own body occupies as if in a stage, the criticism and the opposition sit under

48、 looked I perform, they meet do not stop throw the tomato and the egg to me But this time I was only thinking how develops own role.” (Clinton)“The Chinese held that “one should be as inclusive as the ocean, which is vast because it admits hundreds of rivers” and called for drawing upon the str

49、ength of others.”(Chinese President Hu Jintao's Remarks at Yale)“These great national problems are not for your professional participation or military solution. Your guidepost stands out like a ten-fold beacon in the night: Duty, Honor, Country.”( General Douglas Ma

50、cArthur, Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address) “Those two things the Almighty said to be necessary - I should say He knew to be necessary, or else He would not have so prescribed that the property would be kept among the general run of the people and that everyone would continue to share in

51、 it; so that no one man would get half of it and hand it down to a son, who takes half of what was left, and that son hand it down to another one, who would take half of what was left, until, like a snowball going downhill, all of the snow was off of the ground except what the snowball had.”(Huey P.

52、 Long, Every Man a King - Radio Speech to the Nation)“Indians, Chinamen, Filipinos, Japanese and representatives of any other dark race can find hotel accommodations, if they can pay for them. The colored man alone is thrust out of the hotels of the national capital like a leper.”(Mary Church Terrel

53、l, What It Means to be Colored in Capital of the U.S.)3.2 MetaphorMetaphor can also transfer qualities from one thing to another. There is a formal difference between metaphor and simile, however, in metaphor the word like or as do not appear. A metaphor, like a simile, also has a comparison between

54、 two unlike elements, but unlike a simile, this comparison is implied rather than stated. This means the words "like" or "as" are omitted. For instance, "You are like the sun" is a simile, but "You are my sunshine" is a metaphor.Metaphor is not explicitly sign

55、aled, so they are more difficult to identify. In metaphor, one thing is directly compared to another thing, without the marker“l(fā)ike” or “as”. Thus the relationship between them is implied in other words is unstated. The use of metaphor in rhetoric is primarily to convey to the audience a new idea or

56、 meaning by linking it to an existing idea or meaning with which the audience is already familiar. By making the new appear to be linked to or a type of the old and familiar, the person using the metaphor hopes to help the audience understand the new.The following is a good example:Franklin Roosevel

57、t used this technique in his 1933 inaugural address when he stated that, to cite one example, "the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side."One would not immediately compare factories with a forest; but by doing so, Roosevelt suggests to his audience that the bleak autum

58、n of the Great Depression would eventually turn back into spring. By using metaphor, the image is more vivid. Another example of metaphor is this passage attributed to a speech by Abraham Lincoln about a political adversary in which Lincoln said that his adversary had "dived down deeper into th

59、e sea of knowledge and come up drier than any other man he knew".This attributed quote uses a body of water as a metaphor for a body of knowledge with the ironical idea of someone who gained so little from his education that he achieved the impossible of jumping into a body of water and climbing